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Wasabi

Short of growing up there, it's hard to truly appreciate Japan's rich culinary traditions, from sushi, to Fujis, to Kamikazes...wait, that was just Piston Honda. For non-pixelated Japanese from a team that grew up with it, hit Wasabi

From two children of the Rising Sun bent on dropping their homeland flavor on Chicago, Wasabi fits a rustic tavern vibe into linear, high-ceilinged digs, with dark wood columns running up the exposed brick walls, a weathered beam ceiling sporting a wrought iron chandelier, and seductively glowing lantern fixtures over the sushi bar, setting the perfect vibe for you to get your mackerel on. The kitchen's plating loads of authentic yakitori, skewering everything from short ribs, to fried eggplants, to house-specialty chicken meatball, plus there'll be loads o' noodle bowls (e.g., Berkshire-studded ramen), and lighter bites like quail egg/ponzu-topped oyster shooters, though shotgun too many and the bill may leave you shell shocked. Among the sushi offerings are more fusion-y maki like the ArtMex roll (yellowtail, salmon & tuna tartare w/ cilantro, jalapeno, and lime), the Le Japon (tempura shrimp, salmon & eel w/ asparagus, eel sauce & ginger mayo), and the Meat Lover, filled with Korean BBQ, romaine, and garlic chips, though it will be you who gets a Ponch

They're also planning on launching a weekend brunch early next year that, like everything else, will be BYOB, giving you the opportunity to bring your super punch out.

From two children of the Rising Sun bent on dropping their homeland flavor on Chicago, Wasabi fits a rustic tavern vibe into linear, high-ceilinged digs, with dark wood columns running up the exposed brick walls, a weathered beam ceiling sporting a wrought iron chandelier, and seductively glowing lantern fixtures over the sushi bar, setting the perfect vibe for you to get your mackerel on.